A token life

they do not sigh, pass-judgement,
back-talk, or give that evil eye
but flash bright forever their acceptance
passive, with patience unlimited,
they wait disciplined in gaudy rows
a friendly arm outstretched for contact.

but if they could speak they would
say that the kids are unattended,
that the glass has been filled by
the food they planned to buy, and that
the sun is shining outside, and that time
is devalued by a token life.

Richard Scutter 24 December 2009

Footnote ... Australia has the highest number of poker machines than any other country on a per capita basis.